Commercial Bike Racks – The Optimal Locations

In few of our earlier posts regarding commercial bike racks, we highlighted the importance of these racks. Commercial bike racks are a vital element of streetscape nowadays, both as a functional element for bikers and as aesthetic element for passersby and visitors.

In this article, we will highlight the most optimal locations where commercial bike racks should be fixed, so as to help authorities and commercial property owners exploit all the potential advantages offered by bike racks.

Commercial bike racks must be installed or located as per following guidelines:

There should be at least a six-foot walkway. This doesn’t take into consideration frontage captured by street furniture.

Bike rack should be in enough number in commercial districts. Racks must be located near prime destinations like libraries, hospitals, schools, transit stops, major shopping spots and other areas having high traffic of passersby.

The locations having parking meter consolidation programs, bike racks must be provided to replace the meter poles, or these poles should be fitted with rings to enable bike parking.

Racks must be located on either curb extensions or in finishing zones where possible. These racks should not be fixed at accessible parking or passenger loading areas.

At the transit stops, commercial bike racks should be located near the back of hops, ahead of the shelter (where present), or to be placed outside but adjacent to shops. Bike sharing pods, wherever provided, should also be placed the same way.

Spacing and placement of bike racks must consider dimensions while occupied.

Bike racks located in furnishing zone must be perpendicular to curb where sidewalks are broad so that bikes being parked at them don’t project into edge zone or throughway.

In absence of space, the racks can be placed parallel to curb.

Bike racks must never be placed in front of any building or store, driveway or entrances and exits.